The NBA schedule was released Tuesday night with Williams and the Nets slated for two preseason games against the Knicks, the first on Dec. 17 at Newark followed by a Dec. 21 battle at Madision Square Garden.

Williams, who is in New Jersey working out with fellow rookie MarShon Brooks in anticipation of the Dec. 9 opening of training camp, will make his regular season debut on Dec. 26 on the road against John Wall and the Washington Wizards.

The Nets home opener will be held one day later as the Atlanta Hawks will pay a visit to New Jersey.

It’ll be interesting to see the amount of playing time coach Avery Johnson gives his rookies considering the lack of games in the preseason. Usually NBA teams play five to seven preseason games, but because of the lockout, the schedule was cut down to two.

Because of that, teams may play their veterans more minutes than usual to get them in shape and build quick continuity amongst the starters. Rookies and free agent tryouts will not have the amount of opportunities to make an impression they would have in a regulary scheduled season.

Williams’ role has probably yet to be determined due to the delay of free agency. Among the players unsigned is the Nets’ leading rebounder from last season and reality star Kris Humphires. If Humphries leaves New Jersey and is not replaced, Williams may see more time early on than expected. Nene is one free agent the Nets have interest in.

Here’s a look at five games of note on the Nets’ schedule:

Jan. 4 at Boston: The Celtics were one team in the hunt for Williams on draft day. This year may be the last hurrah for the Celtics' Big 3 of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and UConn’s Ray Allen.

Jan. 7 vs. Miami: Speaking of Big 3s, LeBron, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and friends will make their first visit to the Prudential Center of the season on this date.

Jan. 14 at Utah: This will be the first trip back to Utah for Nets point guard Deron Williams following last season’s controversial trade. The crowd’s reaction to Williams will sure be interesting. This matchup will be shown across the Nation on NBA TV.

April 3 at LA Lakers: Kobe and the Lakers are not scheduled to come to New Jersey this season so this will be the only matchup for the season between these teams.

April 23 vs. 76ers: If the Nets do not make the playoffs, this will mark the team’s final game in New Jersey before next season’s scheduled move to Brooklyn. Fan support in New Jersey has been minimal over the years so we’ll see if anyone even notices.